Pepper Money has reported that 49% of adults who have experienced adverse credit in the last three years and are planning to purchase a house in the next 12 months with a mortgage or remortgage, said they would use online research to find a broker.

The research was carried out by YouGov on behalf of the specialist lender and identified and questioned 600 people who have experienced credit problems, including missed payments, CCJs, defaults, unsecured arrears and secured arrears, in the last three years.

It found that 44% of adults who have experienced adverse credit said they would select a broker based on existing relationships while 36% said they would ask for recommendations from family and friends.

Paul Adams, sales director at Pepper Money, said: “Our programme of research has shown that there is considerable demand for mortgages from people who have experienced credit blips in the last three years, and many of those people have concerns about having an application declined.

“This presents opportunity for brokers to promote the services they offer to potential clients and, with half of customers in these circumstances saying that they would use online research to find a broker, it’s clear that brokers can benefit from working on their online presence.”

Danny Belton, head of lender relationships at Legal & General Mortgage Club, added: “It is no surprise that in today’s world, potential customers start their search online to find an adviser. However, the fact that these customers are seeking advice from an adviser is very encouraging.

“This demonstrates the need for advisers to make themselves more visible online, and to stay close enough to existing customers so that they can be recommended to friends and family that may need their help.”